Considerations

Construction and Capacity

The best inversion tables meet industry standards on construction, design, and weight capacity. Users could be seriously injured in the event of a mechanical failure, so we only considered models that demonstrated exceptional construction and reliability. We also considered ease of use to be an important factor.

Range of Motion and Safety Features

Therapeutic inversion involves different degrees of inclination, from a slight angle past vertical to a complete 90-degree hanging position. Users rely on the inversion table's safety features to avoid serious injury. We considered elements such as foot restraints, lumbar support, and inversion adjustments when rating range of motion and safety features.

Additional Features

Some inversion tables include additional features such as training videos, lumbar cushions, and acupressure pads. We're pleased to note the use of memory foam and other comfort items in our exclusive selection, as well. The best inversion tables on our shortlist also incorporate useful features like hand grips and quick-release restraints.

Price

The price points for in-home inversion tables vary widely enough to make cost a consideration. Quite often, the higher-priced units also include more amenities or safety features. However, we found some modestly priced inversion tables that deliver the same level of performance at half the retail price.

Construction and Capacity

Teeter EP-960 Ltd Inversion Table with Back Pain Relief Kit

The Teeter EP 960 is constructed from heavy-gauge steel and weighs a substantial 73 pounds when assembled. We find the instructional DVD to be very helpful, but it's not specifically targeted at any Teeter inversion table model in particular. Total assembly time, on average, is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and some basic hand tools may be required.

The Teeter EP 960 is designed to fold up for easier storage, but at 73 pounds, it's not exactly portable. Because the manufacturer suggests at least seven feet of vertical clearance for safe operation, room placement is vital.

The EP 960's advertised weight limit is 300 pounds, but many customers feel it could accommodate at least 350 to 400 pounds without risk of mechanical failure. The inversion table must be adjusted for height before use because the pivot point accounts for different centers of gravity. These height adjustments run from 4-foot-9 to upwards of 6-foot-9.

We urge users to add an additional inch or two to their standing height in order to assure a proper balance during use. The inversion table relies on arm movements to control its motion during exercises.

Body Power IT9910 Seated Deluxe Inversion System

The Body Power IT9910 inversion table's most noticeable difference from the other contenders is its seated configuration. We believe this is an ideal solution for those with mobility issues or stability concerns.

The inversion table forms a seat when upright, allowing the user to step into the back board and strap their ankles from a more comfortable position. Once the table inclines, however, it straightens into a traditional flat inversion system.

When the user returns to an upright position to dismount, the table is once again converted to a seat.

The Body Champ table surface and ankle locks are covered with foam padding for additional comfort.

Another useful construction element is the liberal use of foam padding, which is found from the table to the head rest to the ankle lock. Other inversion tables offer foam padding in select areas (like the head rest) but not from top to bottom. However, we do have one reservation about the IT9910's construction. Because it uses a more complicated transition system from chair to table configurations, assembly can take over an hour, and some owners report difficulty following the somewhat vague instructions contained in the owner's manual.

The stated weight capacity is 300 pounds, but a number of users report exceeding that limit and still feeling total support. The heavy-gauge steel frame is comparable to the Teeter EP 960 and other high-end inversion tables. At 71 pounds, this is a professional-grade piece of exercise equipment.

Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table

The Ironman Gravity 4000 is definitely among the heavier inversion table contenders on our list. It's even heavier than one of its strongest competitors, the Teeter Hang Ups EP 960. The Ironman's heavy-duty tubular steel construction earns our praise for its sturdiness and reliability, but its weight does make it more difficult to maneuver.

The unit can be folded for storage, but you'll need some serious muscle to move it around a carpeted surface. The table itself is covered with two-and-a-half inches of memory foam and is noticeably more comfortable than its un-padded/lightly padded competitors.

The Ironman Gravity 4000 also comes equipped with a detachable lumbar support which is especially helpful for users with sciatica or chronic lower back pain. The inversion angles are controlled by an adjustable tether, but there is no secondary safety device. The ankle locks are ratchet-based and ergonomically molded for maximum security and comfort.

Users can reach the extra-long release grips without having to perform deep bends at the waist.

The stated weight capacity is 350 pounds, and based on numerous reports from users, we suspect it could hold even more weight. The height adjustments run from 4-foot-9 to approximately 6-foot-5, and there are handles which allow users to pull themselves back to vertical after deep inversions. Assembly is not especially difficult, but we strongly recommend using a two-person crew to make the job easier. Because the unit is exceptionally heavy, room placement and clearance are important considerations as well.

The Innova ITM4800 follows the industry standard with a rigid tubular frame. It's designed to be foldable for storage, but unfortunately, it can’t be locked in this position. Some owners found that frustrating.

At 57 pounds, it's far from the heaviest table on our list. The table surface is covered with memory foam, and both the lumbar support and headrest are nicely padded and removable. Ankle locks are also lined, though owner opinion is divided about how comfortable these are.

Inversion angles are secured by a pin that makes positioning very straightforward.

Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Therapeutic Inversion Table

This type of security is considered by many to be safer than the straps you see on cheap inverter tables. Users can pull themselves upright after a deep inversion with the help of two extended handrails that are padded for good grip. Furthermore, the ankle locks use a spring-loaded pull pin to secure the user's feet to the bottom of the table.

As with most inversion tables, users may experience an uncomfortable pressure on their ankles during use. Some owners report a need to perform a deep waist bend in order to reach the pull pin after a workout.

The height adjustments on this unit accommodate people as short at 4-foot-10, which is a fairly standard. The upper height adjustment stated on the unit's frame is around 6-foot-6. The Innova's stated weight limit is 300 pounds. You’d struggle to find one with a higher maximum.

One or two owners expressed concern about weld quality, but most say they feel comfortable and secure on the Innova, and our research didn’t turn up any incidents of actual failure. As always, it's important for consumers to follow all assembly instructions precisely. The instructions are fortunately very clear and easy to follow, though buyers may want to use their own hand tools instead of the flimsy tools included in the kit.

Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest

The Exerpeutic inversion table uses strong tubular steel, but it still manages to weigh 20 pounds less than other contenders. Combined with the ability to fold nearly flat for storage, we give high marks for ease of use to this contender. There have been some concerns among users about the complex assembly process, but the company does label each part with its proper assembly step. The tools included in the box are also exceptionally sturdy -- not the typical metal "universal tool" often included with starter inversion tables.

The tether strap used to prevent over-inversion seems to have more "give" than we might like, but alternative tie-down strapping can be found in automotive sections. Everything else, from the padded table to the ankle locks, feels very secure, according to satisfied customers.

The stated weight capacity of the Exerpeutic is 300 pounds, but our research suggests that it could hold even more than that with a different tether strap in place. This model will accommodate users from 4-foot-10 to 6-foot-6 without trouble. A common practice with inversion tables is to set the machine for your natural height and then subtract or add an inch or two to find the ideal balance.

A properly set inversion table should allow the user to raise and lower his or her body just by changing arm positions. Owners tell us that the Exerpeutic performs better when the height adjustment is one to two inches lower than the user's actual height.

Range of Motion and Safety Features

Teeter EP-960 Ltd Inversion Table with Back Pain Relief Kit

The Teeter EP 960 inversion table uses tethering straps to control range of motion. Users can set the angle of inversion to 20 degrees, 40 degrees, or 60 degrees by attaching the appropriate strap between the frame and the bottom of the table. A full 90-degree inversion is achieved when all straps are removed.

Beginning inversion table users are urged to start out at a 20 or 40-degree rotation and work their way slowly toward 60 or full 90-degree inversions. Most health benefits of inversion therapy are experienced at approximately a 45-degree rotation; we urge first-time inversion table users to be conservative until they feel comfortable. The EP 960 does not offer much padding, but it does feature a flexible back board that bends with the user.

The ankle supports use an advanced triple-locking mechanism that can be adjusted manually for maximum security and comfort. Other inversion table models rely on a spring-loaded clamping system to secure users' feet to the bottom of the table. With the Teeter Hang Ups EP, an extension of the release mechanism allows users to unlock their ankles without having to perform a strenuous bending motion.

The Teeter Hang Ups EP features a triple-locking mechanism for the ankles that can be adjusted manually for maximum security and comfort.

Some people report an uncomfortable weight shift on their ankles during deep or full inversions, but this is a known issue among all inversion table models. Exercisers are strongly urged to adjust their workout times if the stress on their ankles becomes too painful. For those with concerns about becoming accidentally ensnared, the Teeter EP 960 also has special hand grips which allow users to push themselves back to a supported position if they lose momentum or invert too deeply.

Body Power IT9910 Seated Deluxe Inversion System

The Body Power IT9910 has three inversion settings that are controlled by both a strap and a yellow safety bar. The safety bar essentially prevents the table from exceeding the selected inversion angle if the strap should fail. Removal of both the strap and the safety bar allows the table to invert to nearly 90 degrees, but for the safety of users, it does not go completely vertical. Many people find it difficult to return to the original upright position if the table inverts to its maximum. However, it is possible to regain control by using the hand holds as leverage.

The ankle locks rely on a spring-loaded pin for security and can be adjusted for maximum comfort. The table can also be adjusted to accommodate users from 4-foot-9 to at least 6-foot-5.

Ankle discomfort during inversion is a common complaint among inversion table owners; the use of athletic shoes is strongly encouraged, and users should limit their total inversion time to avoid putting too much pressure on their ankles. The additional padding on the Body Power IT9910's ankle locks is definitely a plus.

Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table

The Ironman Gravity 4000 provides a full range of inversion angles, all of which are controlled by an adjustable tether strap and a safety bar attached to the frame. Full inversion seems to be a common measuring stick with many would-be inversion table customers, but for safety's sake, we believe that security and the ability to return to an upright position should be greater concerns. The Gravity 4000 is perfectly capable of going a full 90 degrees, but that's an advanced setting for most beginners. Owners particularly enjoy the relative comfort of the unit's ankle locks and the ruggedness of the frame.

The base of this inversion table is not going anywhere while occupied, and the grip handles make it possible for an unsupervised user to pull out of any inversion situation. The Gravity 4000 is the kind of high-end inversion table that chiropractic patients or those with chronic back issues ought to seriously consider. It's all about trust when it comes to strapping into an inversion table for the first time, and the Ironman Gravity 4000's safety systems have earned that trust.

Inversion on the Innova ITM4800 is handled by a unique four-position pin. Simply screw the pin into the hole at the desired angle, and you have a positive stop. Unlike a strap, the pin won’t stretch or tear.

The angles provided by the Innova follow the industry norm and are set at 20, 40, 60 and 80 degrees from the horizontal. This model will not lock out completely during full inversion, so potential buyers should note that it’s not ideal for ab work or other strenuous exercises. To be fair, though, this inversion table is largely aimed at therapeutic use.

The unit’s leg locks fully support the user’s ankles, but this doesn’t mean that inversion therapy on the Innova is completely pain-free. Some Innova owners recommend the use of athletic shoes for additional security. Others say going barefoot is best. We don't believe the use of snap-on "moon boots" for full inversion would work very well with this particular inversion table, as it is designed more for back therapy and general pain relief than long-term inversion or core exercise.

Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest

The Exerpeutic inversion table uses an adjustable tether strap to provide many different angles of inversion. First-time users frequently start at a modest 20 to 35 degrees in order to become accustomed to the unit's balancing system. They progress to a back-stretching 50 or 60 degrees before going fully inverted. The Exerpeutic almost reaches a full 90 degrees of inversion, but it is designed more for therapy than for core exercise programs performed from fixed inversion angles.

The ankle locks are secure and padded, but as with many other inversion tables, they are not necessarily very comfortable. Some users advise making general adjustments before mounting the table and then fine-tuning the process after the ankles are firmly in the clamps. A pull pin holds the ankle locks in place, but the user's feet may still slip around while in deep inversion.

Some people use towels or other soft materials to make the ankle locks more comfortable. We recommend using this inversion table for short periods of time to avoid injuries to the ankle joints and upper feet.

Pre-set Rotation Control: The EZ AngleTM Tether Strap is a unique feature that allows pre-set angles at 20, 40 or 60 degrees and provides an easy guide to where the benefits of inversion begin and are fully realized.

The basic Teeter EP 960 package includes the inversion table, a generic owner's manual, and an instructional DVD. This should be enough for most people to get started on an exercise regimen. Advanced exercisers will appreciate the option to lock the unit at a full 90-degree angle. (Some people like to perform core conditioning exercises such as crunches and sit-ups while fully inverted, and the EP 960 locking mechanism will support these activities.)

The company does offer some helpful add-ons that can be purchased in addition to the unit. We're especially impressed by the acupressure nodes that can be attached at various points on the back board. There is also a lower lumbar plate that offers additional support and comfort at mid-range inversion angles. However, potential buyers should note that these additions come at an extra cost.

The original Body Power IT9910 inversion table does not arrive with many extras, such as an instructional DVD or acupressure nodes. However, the model's unique seat conversion is a great feature that's not found on other inversion tables. (Traditional flat inversion tables often require users to perform deep bends from the waist in order to fasten the ankle restraint. With the IT9910, the ankle locking maneuver is almost as simple as tying your shoes.) We also like the fact that the entire unit can be folded and stored relatively easily. Because of the upright seat configuration, however, additional floor space may be required during operation.

Owners can order a special back stretcher/lumbar support plate separately. The extra support provided by this plate gives the lower back muscles something to work against while deeply inverted. For this reason, it may be worth the extra investment.

The Ironman Gravity 4000 includes a few features that we wish were standard on other inversion tables. Teeter Hangups, for example, provides great support with its flexible table but doesn't offer much in the way of padding. The Ironman Gravity 4000 uses a thick layer of memory foam over the entire surface -- not just in strategic areas like the headrest. This additional cushioning makes a difference if the exerciser plans on a longer inversion routine or has difficulty getting comfortable on a hard plastic surface.

The trade-off with memory foam is additional total weight, but many satisfied customers who switched from un-cushioned inversion tables say the difference in comfort is significant.

The other feature we highly appreciate is the lower lumbar support attachment. It could be easily removed, but customers tell us it adds a new level of support for people with lower back issues. Certain inversion angles can put a lot of strain on the lower back; the lumbar support attachment helps the body maintain healthy contact with the table as weight shifts. Other inversion tables offer lumbar support attachments as separate purchases.

If you’re looking for a simple inversion table, the Innova ITM4800 is worth considering. The ankle locks use a pull pin mechanism generally found in higher-end models, and the model includes extended hand grips that help users regain their momentum or return to an upright position without strain.

What sets it apart from the competition in this price bracket is the lumbar pad. The pad features controls for heat and vibration intensity; you either leave it on auto or select options manually. Because it’s attached with Velcro, it can also be used in other positions (or removed completely). A lot can be said for the the Innova’s long power cord, too, as it gives owners much freedom when situating the table.

As a starter or entry-level inversion table, the Exerpeutic does not arrive with many extra features. However, we do appreciate the addition of thick foam on the backboard and on the ankle locks. (Bargain-priced inversion tables often use a hard plastic material for the backboard and minimal padding on the ankle locks.) The unit includes hand grips that help users regain momentum or return to a vertical position.

Some people purchase an arched back-stretching platform and a personal lumbar support belt along with the Exerpeutic.

We also suggest using additional padding, like a small pillow or foam exercise mat, to cover the un-padded areas of the Exerpeutic inversion table.

At $479.97, Teeter Hang Ups EP 960 is among the more expensive of our top five inversion table contenders. However, the initial investment is offset by the unit's nearly hospital-grade construction and performance.

We find that many inversion table customers place a higher premium on durability and personal safety than initial cost. The EP 960 definitely delivers on those elements, and we believe the high number of five-star ratings from customers bears this out.

Very few owners expressed concerns about spending too much money on this inversion table.

Body Power IT9910 Seated Deluxe Inversion System

At Out of stock, the cost of the Body Power IT9910 inversion system is a bit of an investment for most consumers, but it's still more affordable than other high-end contenders.

Because reliability and safety are premium considerations with at-home inversion tables, we strongly urge potential customers to compare the solid steel construction of an inversion table like the Body Power IT9910 with the flimsier aluminum or thin steel gauge frame of bargain inversion tables.

Customers tell us they trust the Body Power IT9910's engineering implicitly.

Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table

The Ironman Gravity 4000 is often compared favorably with the Teeter Hangups EP 960, but at a price of $199.00, it costs far less. All five of our top contenders offer great value for the money, but the Ironman Gravity 4000 includes some elements in the original package that others only offer separately -- if at all.

We highly recommend the use of additional lumbar support, especially during the earliest sessions of inversion therapy, and unlike some other models, the Gravity 4000 from Ironman package includes a detachable lumbar support device!

We also believe the additional padding is worth the investment in a higher-end model like the Ironman Gravity 4000.

At only $134.06, the Innova ITM4800 inversion table delivers high-end performance at an entry-level price. Inversion therapy can be extremely helpful to a lot of people, but it's not for everyone. (For example, some users report a bit of "rebound pain" after workouts.) Investing in a top-tier table without prior inversion therapy experience is not necessarily a good economic decision.

We believe the Innova's lower price puts it right in the wheelhouse for first-time buyers. It's not the cheapest inversion table, but the inclusion of the massage pad means it delivers on both quality and therapeutic levels.

Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest

The Exerpeutic inversion table packs a significant punch for its incredibly low retail price of Out of stock. It shares many design features with much more expensive models, especially when it comes to capacity and construction.

It's a good choice for those who seek the benefits of inversion therapy but can't afford to invest in a high-end model like the Teeter EP 960 or Body Power IT9910.

(Those inversion tables also provide great performance and durability, but many first-time users will be just as satisfied with a starter version like the Exerpeutic.) Many inversion table specialists urge beginners to limit their initial exercise sessions to 10 minutes a day, so purchasing a less expensive table first and upgrading later does make economic sense.

Pre-set Rotation Control: The EZ AngleTM Tether Strap is a unique feature that allows pre-set angles at 20, 40 or 60 degrees and provides an easy guide to where the benefits of inversion begin and are fully realized.

Although all five of our top inversion table contenders deliver on their promises, we find that the Teeter EP 960 is the one against which all other inversion tables should be measured. It truly is the Best of the Best.

A successful telemarketing campaign may have put Teeter Hang Ups on the consumer radar, but the Teeter EP 960 is not a veritable "As Seen On TV" product. It is a serious piece of therapeutic sports equipment that has earned top ratings from many customers. As one satisfied owner put it, the unit is definitely "hospital grade." Most inversion tables are not known for their flexibility, but the EP 960's backboard provides a natural flex for additional comfort. And while it may not be fully padded like some other inversion tables, the EP 960's design meshes well with the contours of the user.

We especially like the security of the ankle locks, along with the extended release mechanism that exercisers at any fitness level can reach. The strong tether strap prevents occupants from becoming inverted too quickly, and the hand grips ensure a user's ability to return to an upright position. At a cost of $479.97, the Teeter Hang Ups EP 960 may be among the more expensive inversion tables on the consumer market. However, it is packed with extra features like acupressure nodes and a lumbar support plate that are not often found in other models from other companies. Overall, this is by far the best table on the market, and if you're in a position to put quality and safety before price, this is the one to get.

The Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion therapy table costs a little more than the most basic models, but it's still an ideal starter machine for those who are new to body inversion. At a price of $199.00, it's not just an affordable and effective alternative to high-end inversion tables, it offers therapeutic advantages that many do not.

The Ironman's inherent construction elements are typically found on units that cost three times as much. The weight capacity and height adjustments of this model guarantee that most users will be comfortable the minute they step onto the platform and lock in their ankles. The maximum weight recommendation is 350 pounds—as high as you'll find anywhere—and whether you're shorter or taller than average, the Ironman is likely to fit your dimensions very well.

While it's capable of full inversion, this table can also be used for therapeutic use. The table's overall padding is another major plus, especially when compared to the hard, plastic surfaces found on other cheap inversion tables.

If you're looking for a satisfactory inversion table at an affordable price, we strongly suggest that you consider the Ironman Gravity 4000. It’s the Best Bang for Your Buck.

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